Lander Tops Volleyball, 3-1

PEMBROKE – Despite winning the first set, the UNC Pembroke volleyball team fell to Lander, 3-1, in Peach Belt Conference action on Saturday afternoon inside of the English E. Jones Center. The Lady Braves fell to the Bearcats 25-18, 25-23, 25-22 and 25-23.

The Lady Braves (11-17, 2-11 PBC) have now lost five in a row, while the Bearcats (15-8, 6-1) have won three-straight against UNCP.

UNCP's attack ended with three Lady Braves tallying double-digit kills on the outing. Cecilia Brandon matched a game-high 15 kills, while Marissa Baker (12 kills, 23 digs) and Sabrina Gonzalez (13 kills and 18 digs) finished with double-double performances. Shekinah-Joy Toloumu churned out a match-best 56 assists, while Danielle Brown totaled 31 digs, another match-best.

The Bearcats were led by Kendall Korte with 15 kills, while Tarryn Angermeier and Hannah Dederick chipped in 14 kills apiece. Lander turned in nine blocks, including one solo block each from Angermier and Kaitlyn Harrison.

Toloumu helped the Black and Gold jump out to a 4-0 lead in the first frame, while a 5-0 run from Brown late helped UNCP take an 18-12 advantage over the Bearcats. UNCP remained on top throughout the set and a kill from Sarah Bower solidified the first set win.

UNCP opened up the second set with a dominating performance, after Toloumu served six points to give the Lady Braves a 7-1 lead. Lander tied the set up a 12-12 and eventually edged its way on top of the UNCP. Kiki Hennessey served out the last three points to help Lander win the second set.

The Bearcats took an early lead in the third set and then were able to control the pace the rest of the set. The Lady Braves attempted a comeback after a kill from Brandon brought UNCP within two, 22-20, but Lander closed out the set on a kill from Angermeier. The final set started off as a back-and-forth battle, but Hennessey helped get the Bearcats claim the lead, 22-20, and Lander was able to hold on to grab match point to secure the victory.

The Lady Braves return to action on Tuesday for their inaugural Think Pink Game against Francis Marion (16-4, 9-3) at 7 p.m. inside of the English E. Jones Center.

To watch the full game click HERE.